Millions of children and adults participate in team sports. For many, it’s a way to stay active and have fun with friends or make new ones. It also has positive effects that extend well beyond the playing field or ice rink.
Team sport is any game that involves players organized into opposing teams competing to win by following a set of rules and regulations. The most popular team sports include football, baseball, basketball, soccer, hockey, and volleyball. People can join a school or community sports team to play these games or start their own team with friends or family members. It’s important to familiarize yourself with the sport’s rules before you begin.
Aside from the obvious physical benefits, team sports are known to bolster five key components of positive development: competence, confidence, connections, character and caring. These are the kinds of skills that kids will take with them into adulthood and use for the rest of their lives.
In addition to building social and cognitive skills, team sports help children learn about commitment, training, and setting and achieving goals. They learn that hard work pays off and that there is rarely a shortcut to success. They also learn the value of time and how to plan and execute with precision. As Shannon Miller, former gymnast and Olympic gold medalist, once said, “You have to watch every second. There are no do-overs.”
They’ll also learn the importance of communication. They’ll need to listen to their coaches and teammates, and they’ll need to know how to speak up when something needs to be addressed. Communication can take the form of spoken words (coaching drills and talk during practice), a gesture signaling that a teammate is open for a pass, or a stick tap messaging that a penalty is over.
Finally, team athletes will develop an appreciation for good sportsmanship and put winning into perspective. They’ll learn that their teammate’s efforts help them achieve victory and that it’s important to celebrate with their teammates once they win. They’ll also learn that losing is part of the game and to accept it gracefully.
Lastly, kids participating in team sports will also gain an understanding of how to be a responsible citizen. They’ll learn to show up on time for practice, listen to their coach and teammates, encourage others, be accountable for their actions, and more. These are the types of skills that will carry with them into their future lives and make them well-rounded individuals.